GWM Tank 300 HEV vs Tank 500 HEV: Same 346 PS hybrid power, two very different SUVs

The Tank 300 and 500 are two different beasts in terms of positioning, not to mention their price gap. The Tank 300 HEV is priced at RM259,800, while the Tank 500 HEV comes in at RM328,800.

The Tank 500 also offers a Black Edition at RM336,800. Even comparing just the entry standard specs, the price premium is RM69,000.

This changes the complexion of this comparison. With an RM70,000 price gap, nitpicking over dimensions or minor equipment differences makes no sense.

The real question we want to address here is: Does it genuinely justify that extra money?

Market Positioning

First and foremost, the two cars target different buyers. The Tank 300 is a rugged off-road SUV. Most buyers who pick one up are drawn to its 4x4 chops and its immense potential for aftermarket mods. In short, it is purpose-built for roughing it out.

On the other hand, the Tank 500 is full-size luxury SUV. Its sole commonality with the Tank 300 is that both models share the same hybrid powertrain—a 2.0T petrol engine producing 245 PS and a 106 PS electric motor, delivering a combined output of 346 PS and 648 Nm, mated to the same 9AT automatic transmission.

Beyond that, their specifications diverge significantly—especially when it comes to off-road hardware.

Off-Road Hardware

It is worth noting that both cars ride on a ladder-frame chassis.

However, the off-road setup on the Tank 300 HEV is not entirely identical to its petrol-powered sibling. While it retains the electronically controlled mechanical front and rear differential locks, whether it carries over the mechanical centre differential remains ambiguous; official literature merely specifies "full-time 4WD + front and rear differential locks" without explicitly confirming a centre locker.

That said, given that the HEV uses a completely different drivetrain, the absence of a dedicated mechanical centre diff is understandable.

The Tank 500 steps things up with a mechanical centre differential, complemented by front and rear electronically controlled mechanical locks.

In other words, while the Tank 300 HEV does not have triple lockers, the Tank 500 HEV delivers the real deal with three locking differentials. On pure hardware alone, the larger Tank 500 HEV actually boasts a higher theoretical off-road capability ceiling than the Tank 300 HEV.

Both models feature the brand's signature off-road party trick, Tank Turn.

In terms of hard geometric figures, the Tank 300 HEV offers an approach angle of 33 degrees and a departure angle of 34 degrees. Ground clearance stands at 224 mm, with a maximum wading depth of 700 mm and a climb gradient capability of up to 66%.

The Tank 500 HEV, by comparison, has an approach angle of 30 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees. Ground clearance is the same at 224 mm, though wading depth improves to 800 mm and maximum climb gradient reaches 75%.

Underneath, the Tank 300 HEV rides on standard 17-inch alloys, whereas the Tank 500 HEV steps up to 20-inch wheels wrapped in noise-reducing comfort tyres. Suspension setups on both cars comprise double wishbones at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

To sum up, while the Tank 500 HEV packs genuine triple diff locks for superior capability, the Tank 300 HEV holds the upper hand with friendlier approach and departure angles. But if serious off-roading is truly on your agenda, our money would still go to the petrol Tank 300.

The 300 HEV lacks a centre lock, while the 500 HEV—with triple locks—is hamstrung by sheer kerb weight. Besides, you would need to fork out extra for all-terrain (AT) tyres and constantly fret over scratching those handsome wheel arches on the trail.

Other Highlights

Dimensionally, the Tank 300 HEV measures 4,760 x 1,930 x 1,903 mm with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm. The Tank 500 HEV stretches to 5,070 x 1,934 x 1,905 mm with a 2,850 mm wheelbase. Being a full class larger than the Tank 300, cabin roominess is simply on another level.

We won't bore you with a complete spec sheet here; given its luxury SUV positioning, the Tank 500 HEV naturally comes fully loaded, complete with expected features like Nappa leather upholstery.

In terms of active and passive safety, both cars run neck and neck, packing a comprehensive suite of ADAS functions and 6 airbags. The real difference in dynamic security, as mentioned earlier, boils down to that triple-locking differential setup.

Conclusion

Back to the question posed at the start: is it worth topping up an extra RM70,000 to buy the Tank 500? Think of it this way: if your budget comfortably accommodates the Tank 500 HEV, just go straight for it. Its triple lockers, imposing road presence, opulent cabin, and generous equipment list won't disappoint.

However, if the Tank 500 HEV stretches your wallet too thin and you find yourself torn between the petrol and HEV variants of the Tank 300, stay tuned for our upcoming GWM Tank 300 buyer's guide, where we will address all your dilemmas in detail.